3rd Sep 2003, 17:42

I've enjoyed my Stratus for close to two years, and still enjoy it very much. That said, I have also had the flickering interior light problems already mentioned. In addition, a more annoying problem (for me) occurred when the number 1 position of the fan switch stopped working one day. Several days later both the 1st & 2nd position were no longer working, and a few days after that the 3rd position stopped, leaving me with an all or nothing fan.

I have just now got the switch repaired, at a somewhat reasonable cost. This is how I ended up here, looking for similar complaints about the stratus.

All in all, it's a remarkable car, and hasn't cost me too much in maintenance over the past 2 years. Still, I have to wonder if I'm in for future problems with wiring in general...

26th May 2004, 11:35

I bought my Stratus Coupe SE new in 2001. I need a new A/C Compressor. It has malfunctioned. The only place I can get the part is from the dealer, which is 850.00! For parts and labor, it will cost me 1800.00!! Any other owners having or had AC problems?

9th Sep 2004, 11:56

I have had my Stratus SE for three years, having bought it new off the lot. My warranty just barely expired 9 days ago and suddenly this week three problems have occurred. I have discovered that even with a full tank of gas, my gas meter will drop to empty and start beeping at me, then flip back to full. This happens the strangest times, and not just on one occassion. The number one position on my air and heater has decided to stop working completely. To top it off, my auto locks will not automatically lock when the car starts moving and on some occassions cannot be locked with the switch inside or with my remote. I find it ironic that all of this has occurred right after the expiration of my warranty. Hmmmm...

27th Sep 2004, 11:16

I also have a Dodge Stratus 2001 and I have the same problem with the fan switch. It is all or nothing. 1, 2 and 3 positions do not work. I was just talking to a co-worker who also has a Status and he is having the same problem. Does Dodge know about this? Is this something they will fix for us at their cost?

25th Jul 2008, 09:48

I've had my Stratus for 1 1/2 years, and as of right now it is the 6th time the car has been in the shop. My problems are the fuses and the PCM, which is almost a thousand dollar part. So you can say that I'm am really fed up with this car. It's a great car, but too many problems with it.

10th Apr 2009, 16:36

I just bought a Stratus and I have had a head gasket to blow. The dealer said it is my fault, but I don't know how it happened. Has anyone had that problem with their Stratus. I love the way it drives, but this is the second time I have had a problem.

14th May 2009, 15:00

I hate my 2001 Dodge Stratus. In a year and a half I have rebuilt my transmission, replaced my water pump twice... all types of electrical problems... and evaporator leaks... I am ready to burn the car... over 6000 dollars of repairs in a year and a half is just too much.

23rd Aug 2010, 15:40

We just bought an 01 Stratus, and it's been in the shop since the next day. I've put over 2300 in it in the first 2 weeks. Water pump, thermostat, full tune up, low idle problem etc.. then 3 days ago the tranny went out.. Cost me another 200 for a tow to the mechanics.. I'm ready to part it out.. Piece of crap!!!

27th Aug 2010, 18:25

As with all of you guys, my A/C control for the fan doesn't work on 1, 2, or 3. It's all or nothing.

I have also noticed the lights flickering in the dashboard when you turn them on.. It's odd, but hasn't caused any problems.

Now my thermostat housing had a crack in it. We have replaced that, and now coolant is leaking from somewhere. This car is either running really good or everything goes in it.. I need help; anyone has any advice, feel free to help me.